Getting Your GED® in Massachusetts

Congratulations on taking your first step toward earning your GEDⓇ in Massachusetts! Getting a GEDⓇ credential is a significant achievement that can open the door to a range of opportunities, from improving career aspects to higher education and personal growth. As you embark on this path, it’s essential to consider the various options available for GEDⓇ preparation, including in-person and GEDⓇ classes online in Massachusetts. Both formats offer distinct advantages and cater to different learning styles and preferences. Today, we’ll explore the pros of these popular class formats, providing insight to help you make an informed decision about the best approach to achieve your GEDⓇ goals.

Attending GEDⓇ Classes Online in Massachusetts

Did you know you can earn your GEDⓇ online in Massachusetts? Online classes provide greater flexibility and convenience, making education accessible to more residents within the state. Many prominent benefits of attending online GEDⓇ courses include:
  • Accessibility: Online classes eliminate geographical barriers, making class accessibility better for individuals living in rural communities or with limited transportation options.
  • Self-Paced Learning: Self-paced learning environments allow you to move through your coursework at a speed that suits you best. This flexibility helps accommodate distinct learning styles and lets you spend more time on challenging topics.
  • Technological Resources: In addition to your online classes, you’ll enjoy a wealth of resources and information, including study guides and practice tests, by utilizing your free GED.com account.
  • Flexibility: One of the most prominent benefits of attending GEDⓇ classes online is the ability to study at your own pace, your own schedule, and from the comfort of your own home. You’ll be free to access and complete course materials whenever and wherever you choose.
After completing your online coursework and earning a ‘green’ on the Massachusetts GEDⓇ practice test, you can schedule your official online GEDⓇ test within 60 days. Before you schedule your test, ensure you have the following:
  • Access to a private workspace with a computer, webcam, and reliable internet connection
  • A valid government-issued ID
  • A ‘green’ GED ReadyⓇ score
Finally, you’ll need to log into your GED.com account at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time to verify your system, ID, and workspace.

Creating Your Online Account

Creating your free GED.com account will provide you access to a wealth of resources and help you earn your GEDⓇ online in Massachusetts. We make signup fast and easy. Just set an email address and password for your account, follow the on-screen prompts, and be prepared to provide personal information like the following:
  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your mailing address
  • Your contact information

In-Person GEDⓇ Classes and Testing Centers in Massachusetts

For students who prefer a more traditional approach to learning, in-person GEDⓇ classes offer a more structured educational experience and benefits such as:
  • Direct Interactions: With an in-person class, you’ll receive face-to-face instruction and real-time discussions with instructors and students.
  • Peer Support: Being part of an in-person class allows you to connect with fellow GEDⓇ students, potentially creating a more supportive network to motivate one another, study together, or share experiences.
  • Accountability: Having a set schedule establishes a sense of accountability, which can help some students remain disciplined, motivated, and focused on their GEDⓇ goals.

Ready to Earn Your GEDⓇ in Massachusetts?

Are you ready to begin earning your GEDⓇ in Massachusetts? Then, open the door to more opportunities in your career, education, and personal life by taking the next step toward a GEDⓇ credential. Find where you can take GEDⓇ tests or GEDⓇ classes in Massachusetts now.
Top Policies
Top Policies

Top Policies

How old do I need to be to take the test?

In Massachusetts, you must be 18 years of age or older to take the GED® test.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you cannot schedule any GED® test until an official Letter of Withdrawal from the last school you attended has been approved by the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Office. The Letter of Withdrawal must contain the following information:

  • Be on school letterhead, including the address and phone number.
  • Includes your last date of attendance and your date of withdrawal.
  • Come from the office of the Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance
  • Must be signed by the Principal/Headmaster or the Head of Guidance.

You may submit your letter by email to HSET@doe.mass.edu .

You will be contacted via email by the HSE Team within three business days of the receipt of your letter and the required information.

Once you have received email approval of your Letter of Withdrawal, you will be able to go back into your account and schedule your tests.

 

For more information or assistance, please email Ms. Stroud or call her at 781-338-6625. Additional information about high School Equivalency testing in Massachusetts can be found here.

Once approved,you will receive an email from GED Testing Service notifying you that you are able to schedule your GED® test.

 

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • A parent or guardian must be present at the pre-test check-in to give consent and authorize the underage tester to be recorded during testing. If the parent or guardian is not present, the exam session will be revoked.

 

In order to take the GED® test in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you must be living at a Massachusetts address, the same address you used to register and create your account.

If you have more questions, please contact Michael Farma, State Administrator and High School Equivalency Specialist at 781-338-3836.

You must present proper identification at the test center for each test session. Failure to provide documentation will prohibit you from taking the test. Valid identification documents must contain:

  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • You signature
  • A recent photograph

The approved identification documents include:

  • A valid Passport
  • A valid driver's license from any state
  • A state-issued ID card
  • National ID card
  • Military ID card

Some states allow people who don’t live there to take the GED® test and others don’t. You’ll need to check the residency requirement for the state that you’re interested to test in.

No, you are not required to prepare for the GED® test in an adult education classroom.

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • No, you’re not required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test. 

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • Yes, you're required to take the GED Ready® practice test before taking the official GED® test online. 

To take the GED® test in Massachusetts you cannot be enrolled in any secondary school program nor can you have previously received a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential. If you have earned a high school diploma but the documentation of that fact cannot be obtained or verified, you may be eligible to take the GED® test. Please contact Michael Farma, State Administrator and High School Equivalency Specialist at 781-338-3836 for more information.

Price & Payment

What is my cost if I test at a Test Center?

  • Massachusetts currently charges $30 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.
  • Starting July 1, 2023: Massachusetts charges $36 per subject for the GED® test at a Test Center.

What is my cost if I test Online?

  • Massachusetts charges $36 per subject for the GED® test via Online.

You will pay for the test online with a debit or credit card when you schedule your test.

Test Retake Policies

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:  

  • In Massachusetts, there is no waiting period for your first two retakes. After taking a test subject 3 times, you'll have to wait 60 days before retesting. There's no limit to how many times you can test in a year. 

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • The Online Proctored Exam allows for one retake before a 60 day waiting period. After taking a test subject two times online, you’ll have to wait 60 days before retesting.  

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center: 

  • You currently receive 2 discounted retakes for every GED® test subject purchased but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use these retakes.
  • Starting July 1, 2023: You will receive one discounted* retake for every GED® test subject you purchase but don’t pass. You have 365 days after your full price test to use this retake. This retake offer (1 full price:1 discount) repeats until you pass the test. GED Testing Service waives its $26 testing fee, however additional testing fees may still apply in your state.

*In Massachusetts, there is a $10 test center fee for GED® test retakes.  

For those testing on the Online Exam: 

  • The Online Proctored Exam costs $36.00 for a retake in Massachusetts. Discounted retakes are not offered on the Online Proctored Exam. 

Transcripts & Diploma

Sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with your diploma. In Massachusetts all credentials and transcripts are issued by the Commonwealth's verification partner, Diploma Sender. Diploma Sender requires recent passers to contact them with a current address before the issuance of the initial Credential and Official Transcript. You can go onto their website, Diploma Sender, create an account, and check on the status of your documents. Please contact Michael Farma, State Administrator and High School Equivalency Specialist at 781-338-3836 for more information.

In Massachusetts all credentials, transcripts, and verification documents are issued by the Commonwealth's verification partner, Diploma Sender. Each document will cost $15, payable by credit card or debit card. Please contact Michael Farma, State Administrator and High School Equivalency Specialist at 781-338-3836 for more information.

In Massachusetts the credential is called the High School Equivalency Credential.

Other

For those testing in-person at a Testing Center:

  • Yes, in Massachusetts you can take all test subjects in the same day if you can find a testing center with hours that accommodate it.

For those testing on the Online Exam:

  • No, you must schedule your test appointments separately, one at a time. After you complete one online exam you may schedule another, based on appointment availability.

Yes, in Massachusetts, you can take the GED® Test in English or Spanish and you can combine the two languages to earn your credential.

All credentials will be printed in English. Transcripts will be printed in English and will show subtest taken, subtest score, subtest form and subtest language.

Candidates who received a Spanish credential after 2001 may request a credential in English by contacting the DESE/ACLS HSE team in writing at HSET@mass.gov.

It depends on whether or not that state has a residency requirement. Check the residency requirements in that state and don’t hesitate to contact the GED Administrator™ in that state with questions.

Michael Farma
High School Equivalency Specialist
GED® Office
75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148
(781) 338-3836